By Joell Folger
Welcome to a new ski season and with a blink the holidaze are here.
Sometimes in those preparations we can anticipate an unpleasant day after a bit too much imbibing, other times life unfolds a little differently, spontaneously even. Have you guessed it yet, we are going to talk about the dreaded hangover! Along with some of our go-to foods and drinks to help ease the pains to bring us back to ourselves.
Whether your night was spontaneous or planned, your day after aides can be the same. While researching this by first hand experiences, varied interviews and random internet searches, the starting point for recovery was the same. Rehydration!! Personally, chocolate milk is my favorite, it doesn’t even have to be the first drink. I skip the water and go to an electrolyte fueled drink or something fizzy. Water comes back into the picture much later in the day.
When it comes to food there is science behind the amino acid, cysteine, in eggs that helps to break down the toxins left after too many drinks. This helps in making the case for that bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwich. Have it, let it work some magic.
Another powerhouse, which crosses over between drink and food is soup/broth. Be that in the form of the easiest salt fix known as packaged ramen noodles or a more complex DIY soup. The warmth, the sodium and potassium restoration is reaffirming for better functionality.
My internet scrolling led to many fantastic recipes to help. There were creamy or soupy rice dishes, sandwiches, various soups and pastas. These are worthy and delicious recipes, however with a hangover, my kitchen skills would not really do them the justice that they deserve. Which brings me back to my very own pantry and the basics it holds. Let’s talk about The Comfort Food on every level, macaroni and cheese.
We joked that none of our macaroni and cheese dishes ever really turns out the same way. Each cook in my house has their own spin on the dish from noodle shape, types of cheeses and toppings. This ‘recipe’ is going to be based upon what you would generally already have on hand.
I had a pound of medium shell pasta, white american and cheddar cheeses, half a block of cream cheese, milk, sour cream, butter, flour and spices.
First on the stove top was a big pot of water for the pasta and later combining the ingredients. Next, I got to shredding about 6-7oz of white cheddar cheese, unwrapping 8 slices of white american cheese. These I stacked and cut into cubes.
For the roux, the base of a white sauce, I melted about 3 tablespoons of butter, once melted, I added about 3 tablespoons of flour. Combine these until smooth and glassy, about 3 minutes. To this, I whisked in about a cup and a quarter of milk, my milk was cold.*Some recipes called for cold milk, others wanted the milk simmering hot.
I kept the heat on the pan as I incorporated the milk into the flour and butter mixture. When the mixture was smooth, time to add the cheese, starting with the cream cheese and tablespoon of sour cream. This is stir, stir and keep on stirring time as more cheese is added creating a silky smooth thick sauce. For spices I kept it simple with our 3 favorites, paprika – garlic powder – onion powder, salt, cracked black pepper and the secret ingredient a dash of nutmeg.
The shells reached al dente, time to cool them down to slow/stop the cooking process. The cooled shells get returned to the big pot and covered in that cheesy sauce we just made. When combined, transfer the mixture to a baking pan on a baking sheet. I topped half of the dish with panko crumbs and all of it with a tad bit more shredded cheddar cheese. Now the tricky part, waiting for it to come all together in the oven. Thankfully about 25 – 30 minutes later it is a golden, bubbling cheesy delight. Oh, and a hangover cure. Bon Apetite!!
You deserve a nap after cleaning up the kitchen. The recipe was easy, I never said anything about that for the clean up.
What do you reach for to help ease your hangover? No matter what you prefer, do yourself a solid favor, put it on your grocery list. CHEERS! The holidazed season is just beginning.
